Branding Insights: EU-Startups Summit 2026 Panel Speakers

Jan de Vries · 2026-04-15

On May 7-8, 2026, the EU-Startups Summit returns to sunny Malta, bringing together around 2,400 founders, investors, and startup ecosystem leaders for two days of networking, inspiration, and knowledge-sharing. It's a big deal if you're in the startup world. In today's competitive startup landscape, building a strong brand isn't optional anymore. From early-stage positioning to scaling international visibility, effective PR and branding strategies play a key role in how startups attract customers, talent, and investors. Our panel, "PR and Branding Insights: How Startups Build a Brand People Talk About," will explore how startups can craft a compelling narrative and stand out in crowded markets. ### Meet the Panel Moderator Moderated by Cathy White, the discussion will look at how founders can approach PR from day one, what makes a brand resonate with audiences, and how to build long-term visibility through storytelling, media, and community. Cathy White is Founder and CEO of CEW Communications. She leads a multi-service communications agency working with tech scaleups, VCs, and organisations across the European startup ecosystem. Based in London and Barcelona, she supports companies in building visibility through PR, content, and strategic communications. Previously Head of Communications at Tech Nation and Communications and Marketing Manager at Seedcamp, she brings deep experience in startup marketing and storytelling. She regularly moderates and speaks at leading tech events. ### The Panel Speakers Here's who you'll hear from on this panel: **Clara Armand-Delille:** Founder and Managing Director of ThirdEyeMedia. Clara leads a boutique PR agency working with startups, scaleups, and VC firms across multiple markets. Based in Paris and Lisbon, she advises high-growth companies on positioning, media relations, launch strategy, and long-term brand visibility. With previous experience at Google, Accel, and iZettle, she brings deep expertise in communications and growth. Clara is also a Seedcamp mentor, speaker at major tech events including Web Summit and SXSW, and a regular contributor to EU-Startups. **Julija JJ Jegorova:** Founder of Black Unicorn PR. Julija leads one of London's top women-led PR agencies focused on tech startups, scaleups, unicorns, and VC firms. Based in London, she advises high-growth companies on strategic PR and communications, helping them secure visibility in top-tier international media, build thought leadership, and amplify their voice through speaking opportunities, podcast placements, and executive profiling. With more than 16 years of experience across in-house, freelance, and agency roles, Julija is also a regular speaker, MC, and moderator at major tech events, including Web Summit and SXSW. **Kate McElroy:** Global Managing Partner Europe at Manyone. Kate leads brand, go-to-market, and transformation projects across multiple markets. Based in Frankfurt, she brings over 15 years of experience working with challenger brands, startups, and global brands like Google, IKEA, and Adidas. She helps define positioning, evolve value propositions, and design customer experiences that drive growth. Kate works with ambitious teams to build brands that stand out and translate strategy into real-world impact. **Kamilla Strausz:** Co-Founder and COO of InnoMaker Partners. Kamilla works with early-stage startups on communication, positioning, and brand-building. Based in Budapest, she leads projects focused on startup communication, personal branding, events, and founder visibility. Over the past two years, she has helped build 19 startup and founder brands, supported dozens of early-stage teams, and taken part in more than 70 ecosystem events across Europe, reaching over 18,000 founders, investors, and innovators. She is also an experienced speaker, moderator, and workshop facilitator, helping founders and leaders build clear, credible, and human narratives. ### Why This Panel Matters Building a brand isn't just about having a logo or a catchy tagline. It's about creating a story that people remember and want to be part of. For startups, this can be the difference between getting funded or overlooked. Here's what you'll gain from attending: - Practical tips on approaching PR from day one - How to craft a brand message that resonates with your audience - Strategies for building long-term visibility through media and community - Insights from experts who've helped unicorns and scaleups succeed If you're interested in building a strong brand, improving your PR strategy, and learning how to position your startup for long-term visibility, this panel will offer valuable insights from some of the best in the business. Don't miss it.